Facebook Tests New Interface, Twttr > Twitter, Removal Of Engagement Buttons And A New Xbox One

Facebook tests a new user interface

It’s rumoured that Facebook is testing a new format change to the way its users interact with content on its channel.

A potential new feature that incorporates both the Facebook News Feed and Facebook Stories into one interactive feed could be on the way. Users are no longer swiping down through the News Feed. In response to this, the tech giant may change the scroll direction to a horizontal carousel. The change in the user interface could have a huge impact on how content creators will be able to utilise the space increase acquired to them on the feed. With Facebook Ads potentially appearing more frequent, it could increase the engagement rate, views and click through rates.

Facebook has predicted that stories will surpass feed sharing across all social channels in the near future. Swipeable Stories offers a more convenient approach to digesting content at a quicker rate, more impactful rate.

Is Twttr more popular than its counterpart Twitter?

Twitter has released an experimental app called Twttr with the aim to test new features, aspects and interfaces. Even though the new features may not get transferred over, regular users have taken a liking to the beta version.

Sara Haider, Twitter’s director of product management, revealed the initial reactions to this major change in the dynamics. She had this to say:

“Of those who completed the survey, most prefer the prototype over the Twitter app, a pattern that is consistent across regions surveyed. We’re excited about this – it shows us that we’re on the right path but still have more work to do before launching to everyone”

A very impactful feature that has been tested was the removal of all engagement buttons. In an act to form a clutter-less design, Twttr lets users engage in conversations by to swiping right-to-left, whilst tapping on a tweet to bring up the retweet and reply buttons. Ever liked a tweet on accident? Well, Twttr has answered your prayers with this feature.

Social media platforms could be urged to remove engagement buttons

Child safety fears are a major concern in the online community. The major social media platforms could now be forced to remove the “like” button for children in the UK. With the intentions to keep under 18s off their phones for longer periods. The Information Commissioner's Office suggests functions like Snapchat streaks and engagement buttons needs to now be monitored to protect the youth.

Information Commissioner Elizabeth Denham had this to say:

"This is the connected generation. The internet and all its wonders are hardwired into their everyday lives. We shouldn't have to prevent our children from being able to use it, but we must demand that they are protected when they do. This code does that."

The children's commissioner for England reported that social media sites were collecting information about children from birth.

Who is really responsible for children's online safety. Is it the guardians of the youths who should monitor their online usage or should social media platforms create a more child friendly interface to protect the youngsters in the online community?

The new discless Xbox One

The gaming industry is in a transitional period at the moment, with the likes of Google releasing its, Stadia.

A new digital native model of Microsoft's Xbox One console is set to be released in the near future. The console will be their first device without a disk drive. The Xbox One S All-Digital Edition is a modern take to the gaming community with its funciallity and visually appealing game play.

The device will be released on 7th May and will cost £199 in the UK, which is significantly cheaper than the alternative Xbox One model. With a standard 1TB hard drive, users will be able to take full advantage of the Xbox Game Pass, which for a monthly fee, offers more than 100 games from its library.

There seems to be a real shift towards subscription services within the entertainment industry. With the launch of Google’s Stadia, the competition for the number one spot for subscription gaming could get heated. The E3 video game expedition in June is one not to be missed.